In June, a select group of juniors from FHN and across the state will travel to the University of Central Missouri in Warrensburg to create and run a mock government.

“It’s a great opportunity for our juniors to develop leadership skills,”guidance counselor Tom Daugherty said. In this camp, juniors experience setting up and running “cities” for the purpose of learning what running a government is like.“

All the girls go to Central Missouri for a week, and we’re basically from different cities,” last year attendee Crystal Friedman said. “We run a mock government and have mock positions.

”Government isn’t the only focus at Boys and Girls State. Participants also learn about journalism/media, and law enforcement. Further, the different “cities” also compete in 10 different sporting events. There are college scholarships available, and it is an excellent organization to put on college applications.

“First off, they have an opportunity to develop some leadershipskills,” Daugherty said. “They get to meet with some of the top juniors in the state. They’ll form relationships and continue those relationships.

There are also scholarships available for those participants. It’s an excellent thing to put on their resume for college. And, they could compete to go to Boys and Girls Nation, which is held in Washington, D.C.”

Being selected to go to State is an honor in itself. The juniors must first be nominated by teachers or guidance counselors. Even after they have been nominated, they still have to fill out applications. The selection is made at a guidance meeting and is based on students who display excellent leadership skills, good grades, and charisma.

“I was excited because it’s agreat leadership opportunity that I’m excited to participate in,” future attendee Taylor Bell said.

Boys’ state will be held from June12-19, and Girls’ state will be held from June 20-26. This year’s juniors are expected to earn high offices and do well in other categories.

“I think we have a very goodg roup,” Daugherty said. “I look fo rthem to be successful. I think they should do well.”